The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and its law enforcement partners seized more than 2,600 pounds of various products containing suspected THC, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and psilocybin during an investigation that includes reports of illegal sales to teenagers and other people under 21.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, (CSPD News Release 2610-006) CSPD's Metro Narcotics Unit, which includes members of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, worked with federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) partners to serve search warrants at five Speedys Smoke Shop locations and two Los Compadres liquor stores. Six locations are in Colorado Springs, and one is in El Paso County.

The businesses share common ownership. None are licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Investigators have reported the following product seizure totals:

• THC products: 2,135.05 pounds (1.07 tons)
• 7-OH products: 469.2 pounds
• Psilocybin products: 4.2 pounds

*These figures represent the weight of the seized products, rather than the weight of pure THC, 7-OH, or psilocybin.

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The investigation began in May 2025. Numerous community tips and complaints helped investigators identify concerns at these locations, including allegations that employees were selling nicotine and THC products to juveniles and other customers under the legal age of 21.

Many seized items featured advertising and packaging that investigators identified as appealing to teenagers and young adults. The packaging contains "Lethal Strength" indicators and "Contains Cannabis; Keep out of Reach of Children."  At one location, investigators found a 16-year-old working alone behind the counter when they arrived to serve the search warrant.  Investigators learned this was not the first occurrence, and this juvenile worked at other Speedy's locations on a consistent basis.

"Reports of sales to teenagers, combined with packaging that appeals to young people, are deeply concerning," said CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez. "Businesses that sell these products illegally put consumers at risk and undermine licensed businesses that follow the rules, check identification, meet testing requirements, and pay required taxes. Our partners and investigators are working to protect young people and hold those responsible accountable."

Colorado's legal retail marijuana market requires businesses to meet licensing, product testing, labeling, age-verification, and tax requirements. Selling THC products outside that regulated system bypasses safeguards intended to protect consumers and creates unfair competition for businesses that invest in complying with the law.

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The seizure also highlights concerns about concentrated 7-OH products. Known formally as 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the kratom plant. It can also be chemically produced and added to products at much higher concentrations. Concentrated 7-OH products can cause powerful opioid effects, including addiction, withdrawal, and dangerous slowing of breathing, and potential death.

Kratom itself also carries health risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about serious effects associated with kratom, including seizures, liver damage, and substance use disorder. The FDA advises consumers to avoid products containing added or enhanced levels of 7-OH.

Colorado law prohibits selling kratom products to anyone under 21. It also prohibits manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or distributing kratom products containing synthetic or semi-synthetic kratom compounds, or products in which 7-OH exceeds 2% of the total alkaloid content. Alkaloids are the chemical compounds found in kratom. Colorado also prohibits kratom vape products and candy-like kratom products.

The investigation remains open and active. Narcotics distribution-related charges are expected against the individuals responsible for the businesses. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to contact CSPD at 719-444-7000. To remain anonymous, contact Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

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